1.8m blood units needed yearly in Nigeria- Hematologist

A Professor of Haematology at Edo State University, Musa Muhibi, says Nigeria requires a minimum of 1.8 million units of blood yearly to meet the blood transfusion needs of citizens.

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He stated this in his paper titled:“The Cycle in Blood Safety: Being Efficient, Selfish and Effectively Generous” at the 7th Inaugural Lecture of the university in Uzairue, Edo on Thursday.

The haematologist, who is the Dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, said that the rate of blood donation in the country is low, with only a maximum of 10 per cent of donors.

According to him, the majority of blood donations are from family replacement donors, some of whom are not adequately screened for blood-borne infections and other health conditions.

He said, “Nigeria has one of lowest voluntary blood donation rates globally, with only 10 per cent of blood supply coming from voluntary donors.

“Also 60 per cent comes from family replacement donors, while 30 per cent comes from paid blood donors,” he added.

The dean also noted that strategies aimed at promoting voluntary blood donation were needed to increase the availability of safe blood to meet the high demand for blood transfusion.

This, he said, is because of the high maternal mortality rate and increased prevalence of infectious diseases and malaria, which sometimes required blood transfusion.

Muhibi added that blood transfusion could save the lives of patients in need and remained a crucial aspect of healthcare services, particularly in emergencies and during medical procedures like surgeries.

The don further revealed that factors affecting voluntary blood donation included fear of needles, lack of trust in the healthcare system, inadequate awareness as well as cultural and religious beliefs.

He however called for public awareness about the importance of blood donation and the benefits of voluntary donation.

Wumi/Punch